Smoke and Odor Elimination Filters, Devices and Methods

ABSTRACT

A pipe comprises a combustion bowl with bowl vents; an inhalation path for drawing smoke from the combustion bowl through the bowl vents during inhalation; an exhalation filter; and an exhalation path for forcing exhaled smoke through the exhalation filter during exhalation.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims benefit of and hereby incorporates by referenceprovisional patent application Ser. No. 61/238,091, entitled “EnclosedSmoking Device,” filed on Aug. 28, 2009, by inventor Kelly J. Adamic;provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/242,229, entitled “EnclosedSmoking Device with Timed Ignition Button,” filed on Sep. 14, 2009, byinventor Kelly J. Adamic; and provisional patent application Ser. No.61/327,064, entitled “Smoke and Odor Elimination Filter and Devices,”filed on Apr. 22, 2010, by inventor Kelly J. Adamic.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to smoking devices, and moreparticularly relates to smoke and odor elimination filters, devices andmethods.

BACKGROUND

Smoking is a practice in which a combustible substance, e.g., tobacco,cannabis or herbs, is burned and the resulting smoke inhaled. Combustionof the substance causes the release of active drugs such as nicotine orTHC and makes them available for absorption through the lungs. The mostcommon way of smoking today is through cigarettes, primarilyindustrially manufactured but also hand-rolled using rolling paper.Other smoking tools includes traditional pipes, cigars, hookahs andbongs.

People smoke for recreation, as a part of rituals, in search of aspiritual enlightenment, and for medical purposes. The history ofsmoking can be dated to as early as 5000 BC, and has been recorded inmany different cultures around the world. Early smoking evolved inassociation with religious ceremonies, as offerings to deities, incleansing rituals, or as a process of divination. The practice ofsmoking has become commonplace.

It will be appreciated that, while cannabis for recreational use isillegal in many parts of the world, its use as a medicine is legal in anumber of territories, including Canada, Austria, Germany, theNetherlands, Spain, Israel, Italy, Finland, and Portugal. In the UnitedStates, permission for medical cannabis varies from state to state,several having enacted laws to allow regulated cannabis consumption,possession, cultivation, and distribution for medicinal use.

When non-smokers are exposed to secondhand smoke, it is commonlyreferred to as passive smoking. Non-smokers who breathe in secondhandsmoke take in the nicotine, THC and/or other chemicals just like smokersdo. Passive smoking has played a central role in the debate over theharms and regulation of tobacco products. Since the early 1970s, thetobacco industry has been concerned about passive smoking as a seriousthreat to its business interests. Passive smoking was perceived asmotivation for stricter regulation of tobacco products as well as forsmoking bans in workplaces and indoor public establishments, such asrestaurants, bars and night clubs.

Smoking releases odors that get into hair, clothing, and other surfaces,even after the smoke is no longer visible. Some researchers call thisremnant odor “thirdhand” smoke. Essentially, the particles caused bysmoking settle on surfaces and can be measured long after a person hasfinished smoking.

What is desired is a mechanism for reducing or eliminating secondhandand thirdhand smoke.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some embodiments, the present invention provides apipe, comprising a combustion bowl with bowl vents; an inhalation pathfor drawing smoke from the combustion bowl through the bowl vents duringinhalation; an exhalation filter; and an exhalation path for forcingexhaled smoke through the exhalation filter during exhalation.

The pipe may further comprise a mouthpiece on both the inhalation pathand the exhalation path. The inhalation path may include a one-wayinhalation valve between the combustion bowl and the mouthpiece. Thepipe may further comprise a lid over the combustion bowl, the lidcreating a substantially airtight inhalation seal with the combustionbowl. The lid may include a one-way inhalation valve. The pipe mayfurther comprise exhalation vents, wherein the exhalation path includesa one-way exhalation valve between the mouthpiece and the exhalationvents. The one-way exhalation valve may be part of the exhalationfilter. The exhalation filter may include an exhalation filtercartridge. The pipe may further comprise an internal lighter forproviding a flame to the combustion bowl. The pipe may further comprisea timed ignition switch for controlling the length of time that a flameis delivered to the combustion bowl. The exhalation filter may include ahousing, a HEPA filter, and a foam core. The foam core may include acentral bore extending the length of the foam core, and the foam coreincludes odor absorbing chemicals for removing the odor from the exhaledsmoke.

In accordance with some embodiments, the present invention provides amethod, comprising burning a combustible substance in a combustion bowlhaving bowl vents, the burning combustible substance creating smoke;channeling at least portions of the smoke from the combustion bowlthrough the bowl vents to a smoker; receiving exhaled smoke from thesmoker; channeling the exhaled smoke to an exhalation filter; andfiltering the exhaled smoke by the exhalation filter.

The smoke from the combustion bowl may be channeled to the smoker via amouthpiece and the exhaled smoke may be received through the samemouthpiece. The method may further comprise preventing the exhaled smokefrom being delivered to the combustion bowl. The method may furthercomprise preventing the smoke from the combustion bowl from includingair from the exhalation filter. The method may further comprisecontrolling the length of time that a flame is delivered to thecombustible substance in the combustion bowl. The exhalation filter mayinclude a housing, a HEPA filter, and a foam core. The foam core mayinclude a central bore extending the length of the foam core, and thefoam core may include odor absorbing chemicals for removing the odorfrom the exhaled smoke.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a-1 e illustrate a smoke and odor elimination smoking pipe, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the pipe of FIG. 1, in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the flip-top lid assembly of the pipe ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the flip-top lid assembly of FIG. 2positioned for connection to the bowl housing of FIG. 1, in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIGS. 5 a-5 f illustrate the internal details of the pipe of FIG. 1, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a smoke and odor elimination smoking pipe,in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of an exhalation pipe, in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIGS. 8 a-8 d illustrate details of the exhalation pipe of FIG. 7, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 9 a-9 e illustrate a smoke and odor elimination smoking pipe, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10 a illustrates an exploded view of the pipe of FIGS. 9 a-9 e, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10 b illustrates an exploded view of the pipe of FIGS. 9 a-9 e, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 11 a-11 c illustrate details of the pipe of FIGS. 9 a-9 e, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 12 a-12 c illustrate the pipe of FIGS. 9 a-9 e, in accordance withan embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a sectional side view of a smoke and odor elimination smokingpipe, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a sectional side view of a smoke and odor elimination smokingpipe, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a section side view of the ignition button assembly of FIG.14 in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 16 a-16 e illustrate the exhalation filter cartridge, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 17 a and b illustrate details of the exhalation filter cartridgeof FIGS. 16 a-16 e, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the exhalation filter cartridge of FIGS.16 a-16 e, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the exhalation filter cartridge of FIGS.16 a-16 e, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 20 a-20 d illustrate an exhalation filter cartridge with aretaining clip, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to theembodiments are possible, and the generic principles defined herein maybe applied to these and other embodiments and applications withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, theinvention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments andapplications shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistentwith the principles, features and teachings disclosed herein.

FIGS. 1 a-1 e illustrate a smoke and odor elimination pipe 100, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 a is aperspective view of the pipe 100. FIG. 1 b is a side view of the pipe100. FIG. 1 c is a top view of the pipe 100. FIG. 1 d is a bottom viewof the pipe 100. FIG. 1 e is a front view of the pipe 100.

As shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 e, the pipe 100 has six sides, namely, a topside 151, a bottom side 152, a front side 153, a rear side 154, a leftside 155, and a right side 156. The pipe 100 includes a mouthpiece 105and one-way exhalation vents 115 on the front side 153, and a flip-toplid 110 with one-way inhalation vents 120 on the top side 151.

In use, the smoker opens the lid 110, exposing a combustion bowl (notshown) with combustible substance therein. The smoker applies a flameover the combustible substance, e.g., using a butane lighter, andinhales through the mouthpiece 105. Airflow causes the combustiblesubstance to burn and smoke to pass through an inhalation path in thepipe 100 via an inhalation filter (not shown) and out the mouthpiece 105to the smoker. The smoker closes the lid 110, which effectively preventsair from flowing out the opening exposed when the lid 110 is open. Aircan still be drawn through the one-way inhalation vents 120. The smokerthen exhales through the same mouthpiece 105. The smoke passes throughan exhalation path in the pipe 100 through an exhalation filter (notshown) and out the exhalation vents 115. The exhalation filter scrubsthe smoke and odor particles.

In one embodiment, the pipe 100 is about 4 inches long (front to rear),1.5 inches tall (top to bottom), and ⅞ inch wide (left to right).Components of the pipe 100 may be made of a metal such as aluminum or ofplastic.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the pipe 100, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

The pipe 100 includes a body 201 with two channels, namely, a lowerchannel 210 and an upper channel 211. An end cap 208 with a through-hole(not shown) is positioned on the rear end of the lower channel 210. Abowl housing 202, possibly made of aluminum, is positioned near the rearside of the body 201, behind the end cap 208. Although not shown, bowlvents may be disposed on the underside of the bowl 212. The shape of thebowl housing 202 allows air to be drawn through the bowl vents on theunderside of the bowl 212 to an intermediate chamber behind the end cap208 and through the upper channel 211. Although not shown, in someembodiments, an inhalation filter may be positioned in the upper channel211. The shape of the bowl housing 202 also allows air to pass from theupper channel to the intermediate chamber under the bowl 212, throughthe end cap 208, and through the lower channel 210.

A fitting 205 is positioned in the front end of the body 201. Thefitting 205 includes two passageways, namely, an upper passageway 213that interfaces with the upper channel 211 and a lower passageway 214that interfaces with the lower channel 210. In some embodiments, thefitting 205 is attached airtight to the body 210, e.g., using glue. Theupper passageway 213 may be configured to accept the mouthpiece 105mounted therein, possibly with an o-ring 204 therebetween to create anairtight seal. The lower passageway 214 may be configured to accept anexhalation filter cartridge 203 into the lower channel 210 and anexhalation vent cap 206. In some embodiments, the exhalation vent cap206 is removable to allow replacement of the exhalation filter cartridge203. In some embodiments, the end cap 206 is part of or integrated withthe exhalation filter cartridge 203.

The pipe 100 includes an inhalation path and an exhalation path. Asshown and described with reference to the pipe 100, the inhalation pathand exhalation path of pipe 100 overlap. To ensure that air is not drawnfrom the exhalation filter cartridge 203 during inhalation and that airis not forced through the combustion bowl 212 during exhalation, one ormore one-way inhalation valves and one or more one-way exhalation valvesmay be employed. In some embodiments, the one-way inhalation valve maybe attached to the flip top lid 110. In some embodiments, the one-wayinhalation valve may be a flap (similar to the flap 303 of FIG. 3)positioned on the under side of the flip-top lid 110. Therefore, duringexhalation, the inhalation flap prevents air from exiting the flip-toplid 110, and forces the air through the lower channel. In someembodiments, a one-way exhalation valve may be disposed in or on theexhalation filter cartridge 203, in the body 201, on the end cap 208, orin the exhalation vent cap 206. In some embodiments, the one-wayexhalation valve may be a flap (similar to the flap 303 of FIG. 3)positioned on the front side of the end cap 208. Thus, duringinhalation, the flap prevents air from being drawn from the lowerchannel 210, and allows air to flow through the lower channel.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a flip-top lid assembly 300, in accordancewith some embodiments. The flip-top lid assembly 300 includes theflip-top lid 110 with inhalation vents 120 therethrough, a rear wall 312extending downward from the backside of the lid 110, a pivot bore 310through the rear wall 312 from the left to the right, and a finger lever311 that when positioned on the body 201 extends past the rear side 154to cause rotation of the flip-top lid about the pivot bore 310 whenpressed upon. A first dowel 308 is inserted into the pivot bore 310 andlee torsion springs 307 are attached to the first dowel 308. The firstdowel 308 may include a dowel bore 315 therethrough.

As shown, a one-way inhalation flap 303 may be attached to the lid 110to prevent airflow out of the inhalation vents 120. A lid gasket 302 maybe positioned on the underside of the lid 110, and held in place by acombustion bowl plate 305. The combustion bowl plate 305 may be securedto the lid 110 using screws 304. It will be appreciated that thecombustion bowl plate 305 may be made of metal to protect the gasket 302and the one-way inhalation flap 303 from damage by the burningcombustible substance in the bowl 212.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the flip-top lid assembly 300 positionedfor connection to the bowl housing 202. As shown, a second dowel 403 maybe positioned through holes 402 in the bowl housing 202 and through thedowel bore 315 of the first dowel 308. It will be further appreciatedthat the lee torsion springs 307 may be used to bias the flip-top lid110 in a closed and to press the lid gasket 302 in an airtight positionon the bowl housing 202. Pressing on the finger lever 311 causes arotational force to counter the bias of the springs 307, thus openingthe flip-top lid assembly 300 to expose the bowl 212.

FIGS. 5 a-5 f illustrate the internal details of the pipe 100, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 a illustrates a front view of the pipe 100, and identifies planeA-A half way between the left and right sides of the front face.

FIG. 5 b illustrates a sectional view of the pipe 100 at plane A-A. Whenthe flip-top lid 110 is open or closed, inhalation draws air from themouthpiece 105, which draws air from the upper channel 211, which drawsair from an intermediate path 503, which draws air from a intermediatechamber 505 under the bowl 212. A one-way exhalation flap 507 preventsair from being drawn from the lower channel 210 and the exhalationfilter cartridge 203. Instead, air is drawn through bowl vents 520 onthe underside of the bowl 212, which draws smoke from the burningcombustible substance in the bowl 212. This may be referred to as the“inhalation path,” in this embodiment. During exhalation, air is forcedinto the mouthpiece 105, which forces air into the upper chamber 211,which forces air through the intermediate path 503 to the intermediatechamber 505. The one-way inhalation flap 303 in the flip-top lidassembly 300 (see FIG. 3) prevents air from being forced throughcombustion bowl 202. Instead, the one-way exhalation flap 507 in thelower channel 210 opens, allowing the air to pass into the lower channel210, though the exhalation filter cartridge 203, and out the exhalationvents 115. In some embodiments, the exhalation flap 507 (or some otherone-way exhalation valve) may be positioned in this and/or otherlocations, such as in the exhalation filter cartridge 203 or near theexhalation vents 115. This may be referred to as the “exhalation path,”in this embodiment.

FIG. 5 c illustrates a sectional view of the rear portion of the pipe100 through the bowl 212. As shown, bowl housing 202 includes bowl vents520 between the bowl 212 and the chamber 505.

FIG. 5 d illustrates a side view of the pipe 100, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 d defines plane B-B as asection through the upper channel 211 and defines plane C-C as a sectionthrough the lower channel 210.

FIG. 5 e illustrates sectional view of plane B-B of the pipe 100. Asshown, the bottom of the bowl 212 includes bowl vents 520.

FIG. 5 f illustrates sectional view at plane C-C of the pipe 100. Asshown, in an embodiment, the lower channel 210 may include ridges thatcooperate with ridges on the exhalation filter cartridge 203.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an example pipe 500, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The pipe 500 includes an upper channel 635,a lower channel 655, and an intermediate channel 640. An exhalationfilter 650 is positioned in the lower channel 655. A one-way exhalationvalve 645 is positioned in the intermediate channel 640. A one-wayinhalation valve 630 is positioned in the upper channel 635. Amouthpiece is positioned at the front side of the upper channel 635 ofthe pipe 500. A flip-top lid 605 is positioned at the rear side of theupper channel 635 of the pipe 500. A combustion bowl 615 is positionedunder the flip-top lid 605. An inhalation filter 620 is positionedbetween the bowl 615 and the mouthpiece 625 in the upper channel 635.Exhalation vents 655 are positioned in the front side of the lowerchannel 655 of the pipe 500.

Accordingly, during inhalation, air is drawn from the mouthpiece 625.The one-way inhalation valve 630 allows air to pass through the upperchannel 635, through the inhalation filter 620, and from the combustionbowl 615. The exhalation valve 645 prevents air from being drawn fromthe lower channel 655. During exhalation, air is forced into themouthpiece 625, which forces air through the intermediate channel 640via the one-way exhalation valve 645, to the lower channel 655, throughthe exhalation filter 650 and out the exhalation vents 655. The one-wayinhalation valve 630 prevents are being exhaled through the inhalationfilter 620 or the combustion bowl 615.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of an exhalation pipe 700, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the exhalation pipe 700 includes an elliptical body 705 with afilter channel 725 therethrough, threading (not shown) on the rearinternal side of the elliptical body 705, and a passageway (not shown)on the front side. A mouthpiece 710 is attached onto the front side ofthe elliptical body (possibly with glue). An exhalation filter cartridge203 is inserted into the filter channel 725. An end cap 715 includesexhalation vents 720 and threading 730 that cooperates with thethreading in the body 705.

In use, the smoker inhales smoke from a cigarette, pipe, bong, cigar orother smoking apparatus. The smoker then exhales through the mouthpiece710. The smoke travels through the mouthpiece 710, through thepassageway, into the channel 725, through the exhalation filtercartridge 203, and out the exhalation vents 720. The filter 203 scrubsthe smoke and odor particles.

In some embodiments, the body 705 may be made of extruded aluminum,plastic, ferrous metals, precious metals, etc. The mouthpiece 710 may bemachined stainless steel, plastic, ferrous metals, precious metals, etc.The end cap 715 may be machined stainless steel, plastic, ferrousmetals, precious metals, etc.

FIGS. 8 a-8 d illustrate an exhalation pipe 700.

FIG. 8 a illustrates a side view of the exhalation pipe 700. As shown,the pipe 700 may be about 4 inches in length, e.g., 3.93 inches. FIG. 8a defines plane A-A.

FIG. 8 b illustrates a sectional view of exhalation pipe 700 at planeA-A. As shown, the pipe 700 includes a mouthpiece press fit to the body705. The end cap 715 is screwed onto the body 705 via threading 730.

FIG. 8 c illustrates a front view of the pipe exhalation 700. As shown,in some embodiments, the pipe 700 is about 1.3 inches across thelongitudinal axis of the elliptical body 705 and about 0.95 inchesacross the latitudinal axis of the elliptical body 705. The diameter ofthe circular end cap 715 may be about 1.3 inches, allowing portions ofit to extend beyond the body 705 for easy rotational manipulation by theuser.

FIG. 8 d illustrates a rear view of the exhalation pipe 700. As shown,the end cap 715 includes exhalation vents 720.

FIGS. 9 a-9 e illustrate a pipe 900, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention. As will be described in more detail below, thepipe 900 includes a combustion section, a filter cartridge section, aswell as an internal lighter section.

In some embodiments, the pipe 900 is about 4 inches tall (top tobottom), 3 inches long (front to rear), and ⅞ inches wide (left toright). As shown, the pipe 900 includes a body 910. A mouthpiece 905 isrotatably attached to the front side of the body 910. A cap 915 isslidably mounted on the top of the body 905. Sliding the cap 915 forwardexposes the combustion bowl (not shown) therein. Sliding the cap 915towards the rear will allow the mouthpiece 905 to flip open. In someembodiments, sliding the cap forward after opening the mouthpiecesecures the mouthpiece in its open position. An ignition switch 920ignites the internal lighter, which causes combustible substance in thecombustion bowl to ignite. The smoker can inhale the smoke through themouthpiece 905 via an inhalation path and exhale the smoke through thesame mouthpiece via an exhalation path to filter the smoke and odor.

FIG. 10 a is an exploded view of the pipe 900, in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention. The pipe 900 includes a body 1001having three channels, namely, a front channel 1020, a center channel1022, and a rear channel 1024. An exhalation filter cartridge 203 ispositioned in the center channel 1022. A lighter 1004 is positioned inthe rear channel 1024. A bottom cap 1012 with exhalation vents 1036 maybe slidably mounted on the bottom of the body 1001.

The front channel 1020 may be used for storage of combustible substance.This storage may be locked in place using spring-loaded ball bearingsthat drop into receiving indents on the compartment. Some embodimentsmay use a swing out storage hinged along the vertical edge of thecompartment and the device. Other embodiments may use a fold backcompartment that is hinged at the bottom of the compartment and device.

A fitting 1005 may be inserted into the top side of the body 1001, abovethe three channels. The fitting 1005 may include a mouthpiece attachmentportion 1026 in the front of the fitting 1005. A mouthpiece 905 andmouthpiece seal 1008 may be attached to the mouthpiece attachmentportion 1026. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece seal 1008 includesfive flat faces and one arcuate face. The arcuate face may cooperatewith an arcuate section of the mouthpiece 905 to enable the mouthpiece905 to rotate from a position flush with the front face of the body 1001to a position normal to the front face of the body 1001. A pin (notshown) may be slidably inserted through holes 1032 in the fitting 1002and through a pivot bore 1030 in the mouthpiece 905. When the mouthpiece905 is inserted into the body 1001, the dowel may be held in place bythe side walls of the body 1001.

The fitting 1002 may also include notches 1034, which abut the topportion of the walls dividing the body 1001 into its three channels. Thenotches 1034 may provide a better airtight seal between the fitting 1002and the body 1001. The fitting 1002 also includes a combustion bowl1028, possibly made of aluminum, with flame access holes (not shown) onthe bottom side of the bowl 1028. The fitting 1002 may be attached tothe body 1001, possibly using glue, to provide an airtight seal.

A top lid 915 may be slidably attached to the fitting 1002 or the body1001. A spring pin 1005, washer 1006 and set screw 1007 may cooperatewith the top lid 915 to retain the lid 915 in open or closed position.Some embodiments of the device may use a porcelain lighter compartmenttop dome insert and a combustion chamber insert to help contain heatgenerated during combustion.

An external ignition switch 920 may be slidably mounted through the body1001 to engage an internal ignition switch on the lighter 1004. Uponactivation, the lighter will ignite causing a flame through the flameaccess holes under the combustion bowl 1028, causing the combustiblesubstance to burn.

Like the pipe 100, the pipe 900 will include an inhalation path from thecombustion bowl through an inhalation filter to the mouthpiece 905 andan exhalation path from the mouthpiece 905 through the exhalation filtercartridge 203 and out the exhalation vents 1036.

FIG. 10 b is an exploded view of a pipe 1050, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. The pipe 1050 is similar to thepipe 900 described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 a. In thiscase, pipe 1050 includes a body 1053 with no channels therein. A storagechamber 1060, exhalation filter cartridge 203, and lighter assembly 1004are disposed into the body 1053 tightly against the inside walls of thebody 1053 and tightly against each other, thus dividing the body intothree sections, similar to the pipe 900. A fitting 1055 similar tofitting 1002 is inserted above the three sections. Like the fitting1002, the fitting 1055 creates the channels for separate inhalation andexhalation paths. The fitting 1055 supports mouthpiece 905, using dowels1062 and mouthpiece seal 1008. A bowl lid 1054, gasket 1056, spring 1056and pin 1058 cooperate to form a flip-top lid assembly over the bowl1028 in the fitting 1054. Lighter cap assembly 1068 is positioned at thebottom of the lighter assembly 1004 to enable airflow, possibly one way,to the lighter assembly 1004 as needed through a lighter vent 1070 inthe bottom cap 1072. A top cover wear-strip 1051 may be attached to thetop cap 915 to enable the top cap 915 to slide comfortably and notloosely across the top of the body 1053 or fitting 1053. An ignitionswitch assembly including ignition switch 920, ignition switch wearsurface 1064 and slider block 1066, enables the user to ignite thelighter, which burns the combustible substance.

FIG. 11 a is a side view of the pipe 900, in accordance with anembodiment. FIG. 11 a defines plane A-A through the center of the rearchannel 1024 and plane B-B through the center of the center channel1022.

FIG. 11 b is a sectional view of the pipe 900 at plane A-A. As shown,the lighter 1004 is positioned within the rear channel 1024. Uponignition, the lighter 1004 causes a flame 1138 to pass through flameaccess holes 1180 in the combustion bowl 1028.

FIG. 11 c is a sectional view of the pipe 900 at plane B-B. As shown,the exhalation filter cartridge 203 is inserted into the center channel1022 above the exhalation vents 1036. The exhalation filter cartridge203 also cooperates with an intermediate channel 1140 from which itreceives air exhaled from the smoker.

FIGS. 12 a-12 c illustrate the pipe 900, in accordance with someembodiments. FIG. 12 a is a front view of the pipe 900 and defines aplane C-C through the center of the front face and a plane H-H at aboutthe ¾ position of the front face from the left side.

FIG. 12 b is a sectional view of the pipe 900 at plane C-C. As shown, astorage chamber 1020 is positioned in the front channel 1022, theexhalation filter cartridge 203 is positioned in the center channel1022, and the lighter 1004 is positioned in the rear channel 1024 underthe combustion bowl 1028. A one-way inhalation valve 1205 is positionedbetween the combustion bowl 1028 to enable smoke to transfer from thecombustion bowl 1208 through the intermediate channel 1210 to themouthpiece 915. A one-way exhalation valve 1215 may be positionedbetween the intermediate channel 1210 and the center channel 1022 toenable exhaled smoke to transfer from mouthpiece 915 through theintermediate channel 1210 to the center channel 1022 and exhalationfilter cartridge 203 and out the exhalation vents 1036. Alternatively oradditionally, a one-way exhalation valve 1215 may be positioned insidethe exhalation filter cartridge 203 as described below.

FIG. 12 c is a sectional view of the pipe 900 at plane H-H. As shown,the pin 1005 is positioned to lock the top lid 915.

FIG. 13 is a sectional side view of a pipe 1300, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. As shown, the pipe 1300 includes amouthpiece 1302 in a pipe body 1301. The mouthpiece 1302 is operativelycoupled to an inhalation filter 1304, which is operatively coupled via aone-way inhalation valve 1308 to a combustion bowl 1306. A flip-top lid1310 is positioned over the combustion bowl 1306. The mouthpiece 1302 isalso operatively coupled to an exhalation filter channel 1318 withexhalation filter media therein. An outlet cap 1320 with an integralone-way exhalation valve is positioned at the bottom end of theexhalation filter channel 1318. A lighter 1316 is positioned in achannel below the combustion bowl 1306. The lighter 1316 may receive airthrough a lighter air vent 1332 (possibly with a check valve). Anignition switch 1314 extends through the pipe body 1301 to enable useractivation of the lighter 1316. In one embodiment, during an inhalationphase, the ignition switch 1314 is depressed for one second before theperson begins to inhale. During inhalation, the smoke is drawn fromcombustion bowl 1306, through the one-way inhalation valve 1308, throughthe inhalation filter 1304, and through the mouthpiece 1302. Duringexhalation, smoke is past through the mouthpiece 1302, through theexhalation filter channel 1318 (and exhalation filter media), andthrough outlet cap 1320. In some embodiments, the inhalation filter 1304may be replaced by removing the mouthpiece 105 and pulling on acartridge removal grip 1330 which protrudes into the mouthpiece 105.

FIG. 14 is a sectional side view of a pipe 1400, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. As shown, the pipe 1400 is similarto the pipe 1300, except with a timed ignition button assembly 1405 anda lighter dust cover 1410. The ignition button assembly 1405 ensuresthat the lighter is not on too long to insure that the device does notgenerate enough heat to be a source of injury. The lighter dust cover1410 ensures that dust does not impede ignition of the flame.

FIG. 15 illustrates details of the ignition button assembly 1405, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The ignitionbutton assembly 1405 includes an external ignition button 1505, aprimary oil-filled chamber 1520, a transfer chamber 1510, and a returnspring in the primary chamber 1520. As pressure is applied to theexternal ignition button 1505, oil from the primary chamber 1520 passesthrough holes 1530 in the plunger 1515 into the transfer chamber 1510,slowly releasing pressure on the ignition switch 1505. Once the oil hastraveled into the transfer chamber 1510, the ignition switch 1505 isreleased and the oil is allowed to return to the primary chamber 1520,whereby the process may be repeated.

FIGS. 16 a-16 e illustrate the exhalation filter cartridge 203, inaccordance with an embodiment. FIG. 16 a is a perspective view of theexhalation filter cartridge 203, which includes a front face 1602, rearface 1604 and a central body 1606 (in this case, with a square crosssection). The front face 1602 includes an opening 1608 for receiving thesmoke and odor exhaled from the smoker. In this case, the opening 1608is round with a raised lip 1610 around the perimeter of the roundopening 1608. The raised lip 1610 helps to create an airproof seal inthe exhalation paths of the pipes. FIG. 16 b is a front view of thefront face 1602 of exhalation filter cartridge 203. FIG. 16 c is a rearview of the rear face 1604 of the exhalation filter cartridge 203. FIG.16 d is a side view of the exhalation filter cartridge 203 and defines aplane A-A and plane Z-Z. FIG. 16 e is a sectional view of the exhalationfilter cartridge 203 at plane A-A. As shown, the exhalation filtercartridge 203 includes opening 1608, filter media 1614, an end cap 1612,and filter exhalation vents 1616 in the end cap 1612.

FIGS. 17 a and b illustrate details of the exhalation filter cartridge203, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17a is a sectional side view of the exhalation filter cartridge 203. Asshown, the exhalation filter cartridge 203 includes an inlet cap 1620,an outlet cap 1628, and a filter casing 1622 therebetween. The inlet cap1620 includes a raised lip (or “nipple”) that engages a correspondingshape inside a pipe, so that substantially all smoke exhaled passesthrough the filter media 1614. A pleated HEPA filter 1624 is positionedinside the exhalation filter cartridge 203, between the inlet cap 1620,the outlet cap 1628, and the filter casing 1622. HEPA material rated atas little as a 95% rating will trap the smoke particles. A foam core1630 is positioned between the inlet cap 1620 and the outlet cap 1628and within the pleated HEPA filter 1624. For example, the foam core 1630may be manufactured from core of 60 pours-per-inch (PPI can be higher orlower) polyether polyurethane foam (or other foam).

FIG. 17 b is a sectional view of the exhalation filter cartridge 203 atplane Z-Z. As shown, the exhalation filter cartridge 203 includes a foamcore 1630, which is surrounded by the pleated HEPA filter 1624, which issurrounded by the filter casing 1622. The foam core 1630 includes acentral bore 1632, preferably extending the length of the foam core1630. The central bore 1632 allows the smoke to pass through the lengthof the foam core 1630, before being forced laterally through the foamcore 1630 and HEPA filter 1624. Although not shown, a metal cap may bepositioned at the bottom end of the foam core 1630 and HEPA filter 1624to stop the downward flow of smoke and odor particles before beingallowed to exit out the outlet cap 1628, and to force the smoke and odorparticles laterally towards the filter casing 1622. The foam core 1630may be infused with a odor capturing substance, e.g., odor absorbingmaterials such as Ecosorb® odor-absorbing products manufactured by OMIIndustries. Citrus, mint and/or cinnamon extracts (or other extracts)can additionally or alternatively be added to the oil to provide aselection of scents.

In some embodiments, the odor absorbing materials react on a molecularlevel to neutralize smoke odors, preferably involving adsorption,absorption, gas solubility and reaction. For example, when Ecosorb® oilis diluted with water and broadcast via atomization, the tiny waterdroplets created contain a thin oil skin that creates an electrostaticcharge. This charge facilitates adsorption of the odor molecules ontothe droplet surface. The gas is absorbed by the droplet (solubility) andheld.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the exhalation filter cartridge 203, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, theexhalation filter cartridge 203 includes a filter casing 1622. The inletcap 1620 is positioned on the top side of the filter casing 1622 to formthe front face 1602. The HEPA filter 1624 is positioned inside thefilter casing 1622. An internal filter cap 1802 is positioned on thebottom side of the filter casing 1622 to support the HEPA filter 1624and create an exhalation hole 1806 to allow exhaled air to passtherethrough. Although not shown, the foam core 1630 is positionedinside the HEPA filter 1624. A flap 1804, possibly made of rubber (e.g.Viton® rubber), is positioned on the bottom side of the internal filtercap 1802 to cover the exhalation hole 1806. An outlet cap 1628 ispositioned over the internal filter cap 1802 and the round flap 1804,supporting the round flap between the internal filter cap 1802 and theoutlet cap 1628. The outlet cap 1628 includes exhalation vents 1808outside the boundaries of the flap 1804. Accordingly, during exhalation,air can pass through the exhalation hole 1806, past the round flap 1804,and out the exhalation vents 1808. During inhalation, the flap 1804 isdrawn up to cover the exhalation hole 1806, preventing air to flowthrough the exhalation filter cartridge 203.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the exhalation filter cartridge 203, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, theexhalation filter cartridge 203 includes a filter casing 1622. The inletcap 1620 is positioned over the top end of the filter casing 1622. Asponge foam seal 1904 may be positioned over the inlet cap 1620 toenable an airproof seal with the pipe body. The internal filter cap 1802is positioned at the bottom of the filter casing 1622. The flap ispositioned over the exhalation hole 1806. The outlet cap 1628 ispositioned over the internal filter cap 1802 and the outlet cap 1628.The foam core 1620 is positioned inside the pleated HEPA filter 1624,which is positioned inside the filter casing 1622. The top of the HEPAfilter 1624 and foam core 1630 may be fused or glued to the inlet cap1620.

As stated above with reference to FIG. 18 b, the foam core 1630 includesa central bore 1632, extending the length of the foam core 1630. Thecentral bore 1632 allows the smoke to pass through the entire length ofthe foam core 1630, before being forced through the foam core 1630 andHEPA filter 1624. A metal cap 1902 is positioned at the bottom end ofthe foam core 1630 and HEPA filter 1624 to force the smoke laterallytowards the filter casing 1622 before being allowed to exit out theoutlet cap 1628. In this embodiment, the metal cap 1902 is round and thecross section of the filter casing 1622 is square. Accordingly, themetal cap 1902 forces the air to pass down the central bore 1632,laterally through the foam core 1630, laterally through the HEPA filter1624, and out the corners that extend beyond the circumference of theround metal cap 1902.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments may use natural orsynthetic fibers, ceramic, metal, chemicals, oils and/or crystals forfiltering.

FIGS. 20 a-20 d illustrate an exhalation filter cartridge 2005 with aretaining clip 2010, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 20 a is a perspective view of the exhalation filtercartridge 2005. As shown, the exhalation filter cartridge 2005 includesa retaining clip 2010 attached to the end portion of the exhalationfilter cartridge 2005. The exhalation filter cartridge 2005 includes anend cap (similar to end cap 206) with exhalation vents (similar toexhalation vents 115) therein. FIG. 20 b is a close-up of the retainingclip 2010. As shown, the retaining clip 2010 may be a rocker type clip,with an forward arm 2015 with a downward flanging tip 2030, a rear arm2020, and a pivot base 2025 between the two arms. Depressing the reararm 2020 will cause the pivot base 2025 to pivot and the forward arm2015 to raise. FIG. 20 c is a perspective view of the exhalation filtercartridge 2005 positioned in the pipe 100. FIG. 20 d is a close-up ofthe retaining clip 2010 when the exhalation filter cartridge 2005 ispositioned in the pipe 100. In this embodiment, the pipe 100 includes ahole 2035 configured to receive and retain the downward flanging tip2030 of the forward arm 2015, and a slot 2040 to receive the rear arm2020. The pipe 100 also includes a recessed portion 2045 to enable auser to apply downward pressure on the rear arm 2020, when theexhalation filter cartridge 2005 is positioned in the pipe 100. Otherretaining clip options are possible.

Some embodiments may use a warning system that will alert the user andothers that exhalation has not gone back through the pipe. This alarm oralerting system will have an adjustable timer of from 5 seconds to 30seconds after which the alarm or alert will sound. The use of this alarmor alerting system will assist in the training of the user to alwaysexhale through the device. Over time, the proper use of this device willbecome habit.

The exhalation filter cartridge 203 may be designed to be inserted intothe series of devices.

Some embodiments may use filter media that is not in the form of acartridge.

Although several of the embodiments have been described as using thesame mouthpiece for inhalation and exhalation, one skilled in the artwill recognize that separate mouthpieces may be used. Further, oneskilled in the art will recognize that, in some embodiments, theinhalation path and exhalation path may not overlap.

The term “pipe” herein shall include various types of smoking devices,including bongs, hookahs, cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, or the like.

It will be appreciated that smoke and odor may be visible or invisible.It will be appreciated that the term “smoke” may or may not includeodor.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention is by way of example only, and other variations andmodifications of the above-described embodiments and methods arepossible in light of the foregoing teaching. The embodiments describedherein are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. The presentinvention is limited only by the following claims.

1. A pipe, comprising: a combustion bowl with bowl vents; an inhalationpath for drawing smoke from the combustion bowl through the bowl ventsduring inhalation; an exhalation filter; and an exhalation path forforcing exhaled smoke through the exhalation filter during exhalation.2. The pipe of claim 1, further comprising a mouthpiece on both theinhalation path and the exhalation path.
 3. The pipe of claim 2, whereinthe inhalation path includes a one-way inhalation valve between thecombustion bowl and the mouthpiece.
 4. The pipe of claim 1, furthercomprising a lid over the combustion bowl, the lid creating asubstantially airtight inhalation seal with the combustion bowl.
 5. Thepipe of claim 4, wherein the lid includes a one-way inhalation valve. 6.The pipe of claim 2, further comprising exhalation vents; and whereinthe exhalation path includes a one-way exhalation valve between themouthpiece and the exhalation vents.
 7. The pipe of claim 6, wherein theone-way exhalation valve is part of the exhalation filter.
 8. The pipeof claim 1, wherein the exhalation filter includes an exhalation filtercartridge.
 9. The pipe of claim 1, further comprising an internallighter for providing a flame to the combustion bowl.
 10. The pipe ofclaim 9, further comprising a timed ignition switch for controlling thelength of time that a flame is delivered to the combustion bowl.
 11. Thepipe of claim 1, wherein the exhalation filter includes a housing, aHEPA filter, and a foam core.
 12. The pipe of claim 11, wherein the foamcore includes a central bore extending the length of the foam core, andthe foam core includes odor absorbing chemicals for removing the odorfrom the exhaled smoke.
 13. A method, comprising: burning a combustiblesubstance in a combustion bowl having bowl vents, the burningcombustible substance creating smoke; channeling at least portions ofthe smoke from the combustion bowl through the bowl vents to a smoker;receiving exhaled smoke from the smoker; channeling the exhaled smoke toan exhalation filter; and filtering the exhaled smoke by the exhalationfilter.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the smoke from thecombustion bowl is channeled to the smoker via a mouthpiece and theexhaled smoke is received through the same mouthpiece.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising preventing the exhaled smoke from beingdelivered to the combustion bowl.
 16. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising preventing the smoke from the combustion bowl from includingair from the exhalation filter.
 17. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising controlling the length of time that a flame is delivered tothe combustible substance in the combustion bowl.
 18. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the exhalation filter includes a housing, a HEPAfilter, and a foam core.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the foamcore includes a central bore extending the length of the foam core, andthe foam core includes odor absorbing chemicals for removing the odorfrom the exhaled smoke.